Today’s hike is a bit different for two reasons; one I did not get out the door until 10:00 a.m. and two my beloved Husband Rick came with me on my hike. As I was not alone my narrative is going to be in the past tense rather than in the moment. I tend to immerse myself in the Forest when I am alone, it would not have been fair to meditate when I am hiking with someone else 🙂

We entered the park at the Arlington Lawn and I finally spotted a Southern Spreadwing Dragonfly landing on the hedge that surrounds the entrance. It was an amazing sight with a black and white body and rust with blue green rimmed eyes. Having watched them only in turbo speed flight it is wonderful to see the beautiful detail. We hiked up the Tufa Terrace and saw a beautiful Chipmunk on the Tufa Rocks near the top, a brief encounter as it quickly vanishes into the bramble.

From the Tufa Terrace Rick and I headed down the Carriage Road and up the Dead Chief trail. As we reached the top of the first incline a van on the park road went by and the Youth Conservation Corps members from my blog photo yesterday all waved at me. From the Dead Chief we hiked up the Short Cut Trail to the Top of Hot Springs Mountain.

We took the Hot Springs Mountain Trail after a brief stop to enjoy some fresh spring water. When we passed the Pagoda I heard a Cardinal singing to the sun, I looked up and saw a Juvenile Male Cardinal in his new fully turned to red feathers. He was a beautiful sight perched high upon a piece of dead wood. We spent several moments enjoying his newly found voice.

Further along the trail we spotted a sweet Chipmunk on the Trail, it quickly dashed down the bank and along a log. It had distinctive white markings around it’s eyes and a dark rust body. Rick and I traveled further down the trail and he spotted a Chipmunk climbing on the side of a downed Tree. These fallen Trees are perfect Chipmunk condos. Along the trail there were signs of last nights rain storm, beautiful rain covered leaves and puddles. The ground foliage looked greener, less burnt and wilted.

After we crossed over to North mountain we connected with the Upper Dogwood then the lower Dogwood and finally the Floral Trail to Leave the Forest. It’s been wonderful to see the the park feeling refreshed from the rain. As I am typing my blog several large rain storms have passed through the park giving it even more of the much needed rain. Rain is life!

Dance in the Rain and feel refreshed by Nature’s liquid joy.

Love,
Lee

PS Not to My Husband Rick “Congratulations on your first morning hike since your heart attack!” I Love You Baby!